There’s a lot of misinformation online about scholarships and proof of funds (POF) when applying for a student visa to Italy. Many people assume that once you get a scholarship, you don’t need to show proof of funds at all.
That’s not true.
As a beneficiary of a scholarship myself, let me clarify the difference between students with scholarships and those without scholarships, especially for master’s programs in Italy.
Understanding Proof of Funds for Italy
Proof of funds (POF) is a requirement by Italian immigration authorities to make sure that international students can cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Other costs related to studying and staying in Italy
If you’re applying for a master’s degree in Italy without a scholarship, you must show proof of funds worth at least €14,000 for a two-year course.
How Scholarship Affects Proof of Funds
Here’s where the difference comes in:
- Without Scholarship → You must show €14,000 for a two-year program.
- With Scholarship → You don’t need to show the full €14,000. Instead, you only need to show:
- Enough money for your flight ticket
- Some basic living costs until your scholarship money is released
This is because your scholarship covers part (or all) of your expenses, reducing the financial proof required.
Common Misconceptions
- “Scholarship completely removes the need for POF.”
❌ Wrong. You still need to show some financial proof, just not the full amount. - “Any scholarship works the same way.”
❌ Wrong. Different scholarships cover different things. Some cover only tuition, while others include stipends for living expenses. - “POF is optional for scholarship holders.”
❌ Wrong. Even with a scholarship, embassies still expect proof you can survive until your scholarship funds are accessible.
Tips for Students Applying to Study in Italy
- Always read the scholarship terms carefully to know what it covers.
- Prepare a small buffer fund for living expenses before your scholarship payments start.
- Keep your documents accurate — embassies value transparency, and fake or misleading documents can result in a visa refusal.
- Seek clarity when in doubt, instead of spreading or relying on misinformation.
FAQs About Scholarship and Proof of Funds in Italy
1. Does scholarship remove the need for proof of funds in Italy?
No. Scholarship reduces the amount of proof of funds required, but you’ll still need to show money for flights and basic living expenses.
2. How much proof of funds do I need without a scholarship?
For a master’s program in Italy, you need to show about €14,000 for a two-year course.
3. What if my scholarship covers tuition but not living expenses?
You’ll still need to show proof of funds to cover living expenses not included in the scholarship.
4. How much should I show if I have a scholarship that covers both tuition and living costs?
You only need to show enough for travel and basic survival costs until the scholarship money is released.
5. Can scholarship holders still get rejected for insufficient POF?
Yes, if you fail to show at least some funds for basic needs. Always provide supporting financial evidence.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial burden of studying abroad, but they do not completely replace the need for proof of funds.
If you’re planning to study in Italy:
- Without a scholarship → Budget around €14,000 for a two-year course.
- With a scholarship → Show enough for flights and initial expenses.
Keeping your documents accurate and understanding the real requirements will save you from unnecessary visa rejections.
